AUSTRALIAN OPEN.
The Serbian and defending champion, Novak Djokovic, faced an unexpected challenger who pushed him to the limit during a four-hour showdown. Dino Prizmic, an 18-year-old from the Czech Republic, squared off against the world number one in a match that concluded with scores of 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, and 6-3. Nole, who already boasts an impressive streak of 29 consecutive victories at Melbourne Park, did not have an easy first match on his journey to capture his eleventh title in this Grand Slam. Despite facing a player from the qualifying rounds, ranked 178th on the ATP list, he had to unleash his full arsenal to maintain his flawless record of 24 wins against pre-qualifying opponents.
“He deserves every applause. He’s very mature on the court. This is his moment. He could have won; he had a break advantage in the third set. He made me run to earn my money tonight,” declared the Belgrade native at the end of the match, expressing his respect and appreciation for his opponent’s performance